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Notre Dame Defeats Elba in 'Playing' Event

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 3:37 GMT by The Daily News Online
      Locales: New York, UNITED STATES

By Paul Suess

PHILADELPHIA - The Notre Dame Academy girls' basketball team cemented their status as a force to be reckoned with this season, securing a decisive 53-41 victory over long-standing rivals Elba in the third annual 'Playing' event this past Saturday. The win, driven by a stellar performance from sophomore Mia Falleti and a suffocating defensive effort, pushes the Fighting Irish to a 9-4 record, positioning them well for a strong finish and potential playoff run.

The 'Playing' game, now a celebrated local tradition, represents more than just a basketball game; it's a showcase of skill, sportsmanship, and community spirit. The atmosphere was electric as fans from both Notre Dame and Elba packed the stands, creating a competitive but ultimately respectful environment.

Falleti led all scorers with 19 points, demonstrating a maturity and shooting accuracy beyond her years. Her ability to consistently knock down shots, including three crucial three-pointers, stretched the Elba defense and opened up opportunities for her teammates. This performance reinforces Falleti's emergence as a key player for the Fighting Irish and a player to watch for the remainder of the season. Coaches and analysts are already beginning to discuss her potential for collegiate play.

However, the victory wasn't solely attributable to Falleti's offensive prowess. Katie Rose's exceptional defensive display proved pivotal in containing Elba's key offensive threats. Her tenacious guarding and ability to disrupt passing lanes limited Elba's scoring opportunities and forced several turnovers. Rose's contributions highlight the importance of well-rounded team play, demonstrating that Notre Dame isn't just reliant on a single star player.

Emma Szeliga added a valuable 13 points to the Notre Dame total, providing consistent scoring support and relieving pressure from Falleti. Riley Moore also contributed with 6 points, showcasing the depth of the Fighting Irish roster. This balanced scoring is a significant advantage for Notre Dame, making them harder for opponents to defend and allowing them to adapt to different game situations.

Elba, now 8-5, fought valiantly but ultimately couldn't overcome the Fighting Irish's strong performance. Lucy Gessner led the charge for Elba with 15 points, followed by Hannah Stott (11) and Gracie Hall (10). While their efforts were commendable, they weren't enough to counter Notre Dame's overall cohesion and defensive intensity. The Elba team has shown flashes of brilliance this season, and their rivalry with Notre Dame consistently brings out the best in both squads.

Looking ahead, Notre Dame Academy faces another challenging test on Tuesday when they host Rochester Brighton at 6:30 p.m. Brighton, currently ranked among the top teams in the section, promises a tough matchup. Notre Dame will need to maintain their current level of play, combining Falleti's scoring with Rose's defense and the contributions of Szeliga and Moore, to secure another victory.

This game against Brighton will be a crucial test of Notre Dame's ability to compete against the best teams in the region. Winning this game would not only further solidify their playoff chances but also send a strong message to their rivals that the Fighting Irish are a serious contender for the championship.

The 'Playing' event has undoubtedly raised the profile of girls' basketball in the Philadelphia area, attracting increased attendance and media coverage. The rivalry between Notre Dame and Elba is a prime example of the excitement and passion that the sport can generate. As the season progresses, fans can expect more thrilling contests and inspiring performances from these talented young athletes. The focus now shifts to Tuesday's game and whether Notre Dame can build on this momentum and continue their upward trajectory.